Psalms 103:2
What does Psalms 103:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:2 means
Here, David reiterates the call to his soul to bless the Lord, but he adds a crucial element: remembering God's benefits. It's not enough to praise; one must also recall the specific acts of goodness God has performed. This verse highlights that genuine gratitude and worship are often rooted in a mindful remembrance of God's past and present mercies. Forgetting these benefits diminishes the foundation for heartfelt praise and can lead to a shallow understanding of God's constant provision and grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give praise to the Lord, O my soul; let not all his blessings go from your memory.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Bless, O my soul, Jehovah, And forget not all His benefits,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And art clothed with light as with a garment. Who stretchest out the heaven like a pavilion:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Context
Following the opening call to bless the Lord in verse 1, this verse sharpens the focus by introducing the reason for such blessing: God's "benefits." This serves as a vital transition, as the verses immediately following (3-5) systematically list these very benefits, moving from a general command to worship to a detailed explanation of why that worship is so richly deserved.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 106:7
Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy lovingkindnesses, But were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
- Deuteronomy 8:2
And thou shalt remember all the way which Jehovah thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble thee, to prove thee, to know what was in thy heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or not.
- Psalms 116:12
What shall I render unto Jehovah For all his benefits toward me?
- 2 Chronicles 32:25
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
- Ephesians 2:11
Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
- Psalms 106:21
They forgat God their Saviour, Who had done great things in Egypt,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 103
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 103.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Father
Understanding God as our Heavenly Father reveals His loving, protective, and provisionary nature toward His children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Like a Failure
When the inner voice won't quit — what God actually says about you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.